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'We can cause big problems for Arsenal'

By Chris Harris

Shakhtar Donetsk can cause "big problems" for Arsenal tonight, according to their coach, Mircea Lucescu.

The Ukrainian champions have visited north London once before, losing 3-2 at Highbury a decade ago after a true collector's item - a Martin Keown brace - completed a last-gasp turnaround for Arsène Wenger's side.

Tonight's Group H clash at Emirates Stadium promises to be even tougher. Shakhtar are riding the crest of a wave after seven straight wins and, like Arsenal, have already seen off Braga and Partizan Belgrade. Lucescu is one of Europe's wiliest coaches and he is confident of leaving England with at least a point.

“We are here for making a result," he said. "I know Arsène Wenger very well, from when he was a coach at Nantes in France. We remain in contact but this is about football and we have the same ideas. I hope it will be a very good match tomorrow.

"I am sure they will control the game – it’s normal, they are playing at home. So we have to organise our team and put them under difficulties. It’s difficult to say we’re coming for an attacking game but we can create big problems, I’m sure of it."

The most appetising side dish to accompany tonight's main course is the return of Eduardo - even if the former Gunner has to settle for a place on the bench. His new manager expects the 27-year-old to receive a rapturous welcome.

“It’s bound to be emotional," said Lucescu. "He wanted so much to play for Arsenal, he wanted to remain here [in London] but his injury created such problems. But now it’s Shakhtar who are helping him to come back to a big, big level.

“I hope he will return to the level he was before at Arsenal. It could be this year, if we continue to have good results in the Champions League.

"He’s only played one whole match and he has to recouperate but he’s got potential. He’s a very professional player, a very intelligent and skillful player, and I hope that he will forget what happened [with his injury]. It can condition his performance and have an effect on it. He will be on the field tonight - when, we will see."

Copyright 2015 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source19 Oct 2010

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